Kinnell Surname

The Origins of the Surname Kinnell

The surname Kinnell is of Scottish origin, with the highest incidence of this surname found in the United States and Scotland. The surname is believed to be of locational origin, deriving from the place name 'Kinnell' in Angus, Scotland. The name 'Kinnell' is thought to be derived from the Gaelic word 'ceann,' meaning 'head' or 'top,' and the Old English word 'hyll,' meaning 'hill.' This suggests that the original bearers of the surname Kinnell were residents of a hilltop settlement in Scotland.

Migration of the Kinnell Surname

Due to historical events such as the Highland Clearances and the Scottish diaspora, many individuals bearing the surname Kinnell migrated to other countries such as the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This accounts for the relatively high incidence of the surname in these countries. In the United States, the surname Kinnell is most commonly found in states with strong Scottish heritage, such as New York and Pennsylvania.

Variants and Spellings of the Kinnell Surname

Like many surnames of Scottish origin, the surname Kinnell has several spelling variations and variants. Some of the most common variants of the surname include Kinnel, Kinnal, and Kinally. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, illiteracy, or clerical errors when recording names.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Kinnell

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Kinnell. One such individual is Galway Kinnell (1927-2014), an American poet and Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his poignant and powerful poems. Another notable individual with the surname Kinnell is John Kinnell, a prominent Scottish politician and advocate for social justice in the 19th century.

The Kinnell Surname in Modern Times

In modern times, the surname Kinnell continues to be well-distributed across various countries, with a significant presence in the United States and Scotland. Many individuals with the surname Kinnell have achieved success in diverse fields such as literature, politics, and business. The surname Kinnell remains a proud symbol of Scottish heritage and ancestry for many of its bearers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Kinnell is a Scottish locational surname with a rich history and presence in countries all around the world. Its origins in Scotland and migration patterns have contributed to its widespread distribution and variations. Notable individuals with the surname Kinnell have made significant contributions to society, further adding to the legacy of this noble surname.

The surname Kinnell into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same occurs in the case of Kinnell, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Kinnell is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Kinnell surname

1. United States (250)
2. Scotland (233)
3. England (198)
4. Australia (64)
5. Canada (64)
6. New Zealand (36)
7. South Africa (31)
8. Wales (8)
9. Germany (2)
10. United Arab Emirates (1)
11. Antigua and Barbuda (1)
12. Bahrain (1)
13. Denmark (1)
14. Hungary (1)
15. Isle of Man (1)
16. Mexico (1)
17. Portugal (1)